ONE OF A KIND: ANTHONY LAWRENCE BELFAIR DESIGN CENTER

When visiting the new Anthony Lawrence Belfair Design Center on 23rd Street, you can't help but notice how much choice there is when it comes to upholstery options. The spotless showroom is dedicated for showcasing endless options as well as sharing other valuable design vendors in the custom trade.  Included on the list of what  makes Belfair, a third generation family run business,  so special is that they are among the last if not the last workroom to exist in the center of Manhattan. Employing over 80 superb craftsmen, they create custom upholstery, window treatments and do woodwork in a two floor space in Chelsea. Because they are large and have people that can do just about anything, it is worth a visit to see how they do what they do. Having been the workroom of New York's best of the best for years, they are also a go-to source for those that have started their own firms.  They do a lot of work for certain bold faced names in the industry, but it is good to know they will also take on those that have just put out their shingle. If you are looking for a new workroom, give them a try. It will be well worth it. The tour of the workroom alone will leave you so impressed. The "wall of chairs" is the best part. If you need a head start click over to their website where they have included an entire design glossary. Even if you did study design, it is a great refresher course to terms and design specifics. Give it to your assistant if they are in the process of learning the ropes.
 I got the chance to visit with Lana the window treatment and draperies whiz (who is also a founder of the women's industry networking group BITTT), her brother Joe, Mario and Izzy for a tour in the custom furniture mecca. Broken down into vignettes, there are spaces dedicated to collections, such as Vicente Wolf and Julia B. custom embroidered bedding. 

The area devoted to Vicente Wolf's global mix of antique and ethic treasures

A beautiful partition open bookcases divides a seating area

Upholstery shapes covered in muslin to try out

The reverse side of the bookcase with a generous 3 seater sofa flanked by Pagoda Lamps from Bungalow 5.

What is better than this? Stadium seating holds rows a variety of custom upholstered chairs 

An entire area of the showroom is devoted to Holland and Sherry fabrics making it a one stop shop for fabric and upholstery

Custom rugs and color samples are in an easy to see wall space

The subtle curves on the wooden frame of this chair make it such a pretty piece

This sitting area has a streamlines assortment with modern silhouettes and includes an end table and glazed lamp from Bungalow 5.

Oh how I love a good slipper chair

This upholstered version is covered in Julia B. embroidery

With its turned wooden leg, roll arm and tailored tight back, the Jansen chair adds sophistication and comfort to a seating area

Pillows in a soft melon color made from ALB fabrics

 Need a beautifully detailed Bobbin Chair? They add a sense of tradition and history to a room